A mid-season galvanising reset, the realities of relegation setting in or an opportunity to rise like a phoenix from the Ashes – realistically it looks like a drastic transfer windrow recruitment plan which could keep West Ham in the WSL.
Scrambling five points from the first half of the season, West Ham Women, have been required to recruit and strengthen over the winter break to avoid an embarrassing relegation in the summer. Suffering poor performances last season, finishing 8th, former manager Paul Konchesky departed from the club, Rehanne Skinner assuming the role.
Sacked by Tottenham Hotspur in March 2023 after nine consecutive loses, Skinner did not seem like the game-changing and inspiring manager the Hammers needed. That has very much been the case. Registering one win – against Brighton in the second week – the Irons have endured a 5-0 trashing by Manchester United and a shock 3-2 defeat to Bristol City.
One of the crucial areas of weakness is leadership. Iceland midfielder, Dagný Brynjarsdóttir, led the side last year but announced her pregnancy with her second child, ruling her out of the 2023/24 season. In place, Mackenzie Arnold stepped up as skipper but has been on the sidelines, injured, in recent weeks.
Characters such as Scotland’s Lisa Evans and defender Hawa Cissoko play a huge role on and off the field in what is a young and inexperienced side. However, it seems that there is high reliance on these players and a lack of direction within the environment.
It is no surprise that West Ham have drastically searched for an answer to their problems, aiming to unite a squad to avoid relegation.
Kristie Mewis – the star from across the pond
The first recruit to the Hammers of the window was US Women’s National Team midfielder, Kirstie Mewis. Having been linked to Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham, a London move seemed inevitable for Mewis but joining a team fighting relegation will be a stark contrast to winning the NWSL with Gotham FC, just months ago.
The 32-year-old has spent most of her club career in the US, only having short spells in Australia, Japan and Germany earlier in her journey. Vitally, Mewis will bring the mentality fostered within US soccer – a winning mentality which is ingrained in the experienced midfielder.
With over 50 international caps and an Olympic Bronze medal, it’s not doubt that Mewis will raise standards within the West Ham side, providing the leadership that the Irons are yearning for. The WSL is drastically different to the NWSL in both format and style of play which Mewis will have to adapt to, but she could potentially be a season changing signing.
Shelina Zadorsky – reunited with Skinner
Another addition which supports West Ham’s search for leadership is Shelina Zadorsky who arrives on loan from Tottenham Hotspur. The Canadian centre-back led Spurs from the 2021/22 season until Bethany England took over the role under Robert Vilahamn. While the Lilywhites have thrived under Vilahamn, Zadorsky’s career has not, and she has only featured in two WSL matches all season.
Almost a centurion for the Canucks, Zadorsky will be looking to secure regular club minutes in order to continue her international ambitions. Additionally, Zadorsky will be able to strenghtem West Ham’s chaotic back line and offer some leadership experience for the rest of the season. Skinner has worked in close partnership with the Canadian in her tenure at Spurs and bringing in familiar faces should reinforce the East London side.
Katrina Gorry – the stalwart Matildas star
After co-hosting the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the profile of the Matildas has rocketed, players signing for some of the most prestigious clubs in the world. Joining the likes of Sam Kerr, Steph Catley and Mackenzie Arnold, Katrina Gorry is the latest Aussie to come to the WSL.
The 31-year-old has signed from Swedish side, Vittsjö GIK where she has proved herself as a vital midfielder, earning international call ups.
It was reported at the end of the World Cup that Gorry covered most ground and recorded the most tackles out of any player in the tournament, a testament to her high work rate and relentless style of play.
Similar to West Ham’s other new arrivals, Gorry brings a wealth of experience playing across the world for a range of teams across Sweden, Norway, the USA, Canada and Australia.
Why West Ham will avoid relegation
West Ham have a huge advantage over bottom of the table Bristol City. The Irons’ men’s side is a Premier League club meaning resources are often more widely available for the women’s team. The baseline of this is that there is more money to pump into strengthening squads and gaining new signings. West Ham are an internationally recognised club with a reputation overseas, purely based on the men’s team. Bristol City, on the other hand, do not have that.
The Hammers have been able to attract some big names in the world of women’s football due to their reputation and history within the WSL – Bristol simply cannot offer that and are not an as attractive prospect for international stars.
New signings, of course, do not guarantee positive results and the bonding and cohesion of the team in the coming weeks will be crucial to the success of this. However, Mewis, Zadorsky and Gorry should prove crucial additions in what has been a disastrous and disappointing season for the Irons.
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